16. Governments should spend money on railways rather than roads.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? 

Sample Answer 1

Band 8.5

The discussion about where the government should spend money on infrastructure development, specifically on railways or roads, is a big topic. Some people say we should focus more on railways, while others think roads deserve more attention.

People who support railways talk about how efficient and good for the environment they are. Trains can move a lot of goods or people over long distances without costing too much. Also, trains use less fuel than vehicles on the road, which helps with air pollution and global warming.

On the other side, people who like roads say they are more flexible and accessible. Roads go everywhere in a country, from big cities to faraway rural places, so everyone can use them to travel. Roads support different kinds of vehicles, like bicycles, cars, buses, and trucks, meeting the various transportation needs of people.

In my opinion, we shouldn't have to choose between railways and roads. Both types of transportation are important for a country to grow. Trains are great for moving a lot of things over long distances, and roads give us the flexibility to travel to many places. So, the government should try to invest in both railways and roads, thinking about what the country needs the most.

To sum up, the debate about spending on railways or roads is important, but it's essential to understand that both have their advantages and roles in a country's infrastructure. Investing in both, based on the country's specific needs, can make the best use of government money and help the country develop in a complete and lasting way.

Difficult Words/Phrases with Example Sentences:

Infrastructure: (Meaning) The basic physical and organizational structures needed for the operation of a society or economy.

Example Sentence: Investing in infrastructure like roads, bridges, and public transportation is essential for economic growth.

Efficient: (Meaning) Producing the desired result with little waste of time, money, or energy.

Example Sentence: Trains are a very efficient way to transport large amounts of goods.

Global warming: (Meaning) The gradual increase in the average temperature of the Earth's near-surface air and oceans.

Example Sentence: Climate change caused by global warming is a major threat to the planet.

Accessible: (Meaning) Easy to reach or use.

Example Sentence: The new library is designed to be fully accessible to people with disabilities.

Flexibility: (Meaning) The ability to bend or change easily.

Example Sentence: A flexible work schedule allows employees to balance their work and personal lives.

Various: (Meaning) Several different.

Example Sentence: We offer a variety of products to meet the needs of our customers.

Invest: (Meaning) To put money into something with the hope of making a profit or other benefit.

Example Sentence: The company is investing in new technology to improve its products.

Complete: (Meaning) Full and including everything that is needed.

Example Sentence: The researcher provided a complete picture of the situation.

Lasting: (Meaning) Continuing for a long time.

Example Sentence: We hope to create a positive and lasting impact on the community.

Priorities: (Meaning) The things that are most important to you and that you give your attention to first.

Example Sentence: My priorities are my family, my health, and my career.

Needs: (Meaning) The things that someone or something requires in order to live or function properly.

Example Sentence: The community has a great need for affordable housing.

16. Governments should spend money on railways rather than roads.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? 

Sample Answer 2

Band 8.5

            Government funding for transport infrastructure is a subject of debate, with some arguing that money should be spent on railways rather than roads. This essay will examine both viewpoints and present my own perspective.

              The proponents of investing in railroads assert that they offer numerous advantages over automobiles. First, railways have the capacity to convey a greater number of passengers and products than roads, thereby reducing congestion and improving transportation efficiency. Second, railroads are generally regarded as safer and more dependable than automobiles, which can contribute to passenger safety. Investing in railways can also benefit the environment by reducing carbon emissions and fostering sustainable transport options.

                Alternatively, proponents of investment in roads contend that they are more adaptable and accessible. Roads offer greater flexibility in terms of connecting remote locations and accommodating a variety of vehicle types, including automobiles, buses, and trucks. In addition, road infrastructure can be more cost-effective in certain regions, particularly those with low population density or geographical constraints that make railway construction difficult.

                      I believe a balanced approach is required. The decision to invest in railways or roads should be founded on each region's unique needs and circumstances. In densely populated urban areas with existing congestion problems, it may be more effective to prioritise railways. In rural or sparsely populated areas, however, investments in road infrastructure can better meet the transportation requirements of the local population.

             Moreover, an integrated approach that incorporates roads and railroads is optimal. Creating a well-connected transport network that includes efficient railways and well-maintained roads can provide the advantages of both modes of transport, thereby meeting the diverse requirements of the population.

            In conclusion, the allocation of government funds for transport infrastructure should take into account the capacity, safety, and environmental sustainability advantages of railways, as well as the flexibility and accessibility of roads. A transportation system that meets the requirements of the population will be efficient and comprehensive if it strikes a balance between these two modes of transportation.

Difficult Words/Phrases with Example Sentences:

Infrastructure: (Meaning) The basic physical and organizational structures needed for the operation of a society or economy.

Example Sentence: Investing in infrastructure like roads, bridges, and public transportation is essential for economic growth.

Proponents: (Meaning) People who support a particular idea or cause.

Example Sentence: Proponents of free speech argue that it is essential for a healthy democracy.

Capacity: (Meaning) The ability to hold or transport something.

Example Sentence: The new library has a large capacity for books and readers.

Congestion: (Meaning) An excessive concentration of people or vehicles in a particular area.

Example Sentence: Traffic congestion is a major problem in big cities.

Dependable: (Meaning) Reliable and trustworthy.

Example Sentence: The bus schedule is not very dependable.

Sustainable: (Meaning) Able to be maintained at a certain level without decline or depletion.

Example Sentence: We need to find sustainable solutions to energy use.

Adaptable: (Meaning) Able to change easily to new conditions.

Example Sentence: The company is very adaptable to changing market trends.

Accessibility: (Meaning) Easy to reach or use.

Example Sentence: The new library is designed to be fully accessible to people with disabilities.

Sparsely populated: (Meaning) Having few people living in a particular area.

Example Sentence: The sparsely populated island only has a few hundred inhabitants.

Balanced approach: (Meaning) An approach that considers all sides of an issue fairly.

Example Sentence: We need a balanced approach to education that meets the needs of all students.

Optimal: (Meaning) The best possible.

Example Sentence: The doctor said surgery was the optimal treatment for the patient.

Diverse: (Meaning) Including a wide range of people or things.

Example Sentence: The city has a very diverse population.

Allocation: (Meaning) The act of giving something to someone or something.

Example Sentence: The government announced the allocation of funds for new schools.

Comprehensive: (Meaning) Including everything that is important.

Example Sentence: The report provides a comprehensive overview of the situation.

16. Governments should spend money on railways rather than roads.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? 

Sample Answer 3

Band 8.5

Undoubtedly, infrastructure stands as a linchpin in a nation's development. I staunchly advocate for governmental investments in railways over the enhancement of roads, citing reasons of cost-effectiveness, speed, and environmental sustainability.

Certainly, railways present a multitude of advantages. Foremost among them is their cost-effectiveness and swift mode of transportation, circumventing the hurdles of traffic congestion. Trains also play a pivotal role in environmental conservation by emitting less pollution when compared to the escalating number of vehicles on roads, a trend underscored by a recent survey illustrating a surge in pollution over the last 50 years. Furthermore, the expansive capacity of trains to transport significant volumes of goods and accommodate a large number of passengers contributes to diminished accident rates relative to private vehicles.

However, it is imperative to acknowledge certain drawbacks. Railways may not be the most convenient option for shorter distances, especially within urban areas, rendering roads more practical for such scenarios. The establishment of railway infrastructure requires a substantial investment of both time and money, posing challenges for developing nations. Additionally, geographical constraints, particularly in hilly areas prone to landslides, render road networks more suitable.

In conclusion, my standpoint maintains that channeling investments into railways offers a more advantageous and sustainable strategy than directing focus towards roads, given their cost-effectiveness, expeditious nature, and environmentally friendly attributes.